Yerevan not negotiating EU membership, says top diplomat

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has stated that Yerevan is not currently engaged in any negotiations with Brussels regarding Armenia’s accession to the European Union. 

Speaking at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Mirzoyan addressed questions about the country’s geopolitical orientation and its potential simultaneous membership in both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

"The Republic of Armenia has not submitted an application to join the European Union, no negotiations in this direction are underway, and therefore, any question that might arise on this matter is not relevant," Mirzoyan said, firmly rejecting any suggestion that formal talks with the EU had begun.

His remarks come in contrast to recent developments within Armenia's domestic political landscape.

On March 26, Armenian media reported that the country’s National Assembly had passed a bill obliging the government to begin negotiations on EU accession “as soon as possible.” The measure, adopted on its second reading, passed with 64 votes in favour and seven against.

The bill followed a popular petition that exceeded the legal threshold of 50,000 signatures, reaching 60,000, thereby triggering parliamentary consideration. In response to this public initiative, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan introduced the topic for parliamentary debate on January 9, setting in motion discussions on whether Armenia should formally pursue membership in the European bloc.

According to the adopted legislation, the next step in the process would be a nationwide referendum, allowing Armenian citizens to decide whether the government should officially apply for EU membership and begin accession talks.

By Tamilla Hasanova